The rejuvenated and picturesque Albert Dock is a destination attraction that should be on everyone’s itinerary when visiting Liverpool. You can easily spend the whole day and evening in this spectacular location – and that’s before you’ve seen anything of the city itself!

Designed by Jesse Hartley, the dock opened its waters in 1846 for sailing ships carrying cargo from around the world bringing cotton, brandy and sugar, and remained a fully working dock until closing in 1972. Today, the iconic architecture of the surrounding buildings and warehouses are home to its thriving art and music culture, museums as well as a myriad of shops, bars and restaurants. It is the perfect example of how the city so cleverly integrates the old with the new; traditional with contemporary.

On a lighter note, if modern and contemporary art is more to your appeal, Tate Liverpool is just around the corner inside the Pavillion. TATE hosts world-class exhibitions and displays of British and International art, including photography, painting, sculpture and installations across four floors.

Now That's What I Call Music...

A post shared by The BME (@britishmusicexperience) on Jan 23, 2018 at 12:43pm PST

Alternatively, you could visit the British Music Experience which is a 5 minute walk from Albert Dock on the Pier Head. A musuem which tells the story of British Music through costumes, instruments, performance and memorabilia. Whatever age you are, and whatever you are into, there is something here for you.

See outfits worn by artists from Freddie Mercury to Spice Girls, and musical instruments played by some of the world’s most renowned artists from Oasis to the Sex Pistols. There's even hand written song lyrics from Adele and the Beatles, original Brit awards and the Apple Corp front door from Saville Row.

You can also get involved by learning a musical instrument with the best music equipment available, from drum kits to keyboards. Try your hand at being a rock star by testing the vocal booth, or dance the decades in the dance pop routines studio!

After walking around the free museums and gallery you will need to stop for a rest (Take note, there’s A LOT of cobbles, so heels aren’t recommended!) there’s a lot to take in and a visit shouldn’t be rushed, so make sure you drop into one of the many cafes, restaurants or bars for some refueling.

Albert Dock is home to wide variety of foodie treats to suit everyone's needs; whether you’re looking for coffee and a cake on a shopping break, or champagne for a special occasion: Albert Dock has got it all…

Choose from Indian delights at Spice Lounge to succulent steaks at Miller and Carter. Contemporary italian dishes at Gusto, or timeless British classics at The Pump House.

By night, twinkling lights transform the Dock, head to Revolution de Cuba to enjoy a delicious rum cocktail and their exciting live cabaret show, or perhaps try the Comedy Central Comedy Club for a night full of laughter and superb entertainment.

Most venues have terraces, which are perfect for taking in the picturesque views of the dock and if you get too comfortable and forget to carry on. There is so much to see and do, and venues to eat, drink and relax in that a day just isn’t enough – make sure you plan the next visit!

It’s a known fact that Liverpool is the birthplace of one of the greatest bands of all time, so a trip to the city wouldn’t be complete without tracing the steps of the Fab Four at Britannia Pavilion. Follow The Beatles Story from The Cavern Club to Abbey Road Studios on a self-guided audio tour available in 10 languages! Enjoy photos, memorabilia, video interviews and the Discovery Zone, great for children or anyone who fancies a tinkle on the giant piano.

For those who want to know even more about the legendary band, head aboard the Magical Mystery tour which departs from the Albert Dock, and enjoy a 2-hour tour of the sites, venues and sounds of Liverpool that were close to John, Paul, Ringo and George’s hearts.

The Albert Dock has even got childrens entertainment boxed off. Mattel Play! is a fun indoor, interactive adventure play area based on popular TV characters including Thomas & Friends, Bob the Builder and Fireman Sam. Young imaginations can play to their heart’s content but be sure to book ahead to avoid disappointment (and tears!)

The museums and Tate Liverpool also provide plenty of fun for the young’uns with themed trails and activities and special events that take place throughout the year.

And for a bit of traditional fun, ride the Victorian carousel with the waterfront and dock buildings as a stunning backdrop.

Whats on at the Albert Dock in 2018?

Looking to visit Albert Docks for a specific event this year? There's loads of exciting family-friendly events coming up in 2018.

Everything will be shipshape as we welcome the wonderful Tall Ships back to the River Mersey on the late May Bank Holiday weekend. The Three Festivals Tall Ships Regatta will link a trio of vibrant port cities – Liverpool, Dublin and Bordeaux – with some nail-biting racing across the Irish Sea and Bay of Biscay. Expect spectacular performances, unique entertainment, street animation and live music, as Liverpool Waterfront is transformed.

The Clipper Around the World Race saw thousands of well-wishers wave off the intrepid crews at the Waterfront last summer, and after eleven months and 40,000 gruelling nautical miles later, a dozen 70ft ocean racing yachts are set to return to the Mersey in July in a celebration of teamwork, tenacity, grit and determination. The Clipper race concludes in Liverpool and is due to end at the Waterfront on 28-29th July.

Pirates return to the Docks in Spetember for an exciting two-day festival, full of live action ship battles, the popular Pirates and Mermaid Parade, jaw-dropping stunts and swordfights, local folklore and sea shanty.

Blog Post Profile ✍️

This blog has been written by Caitlin Cunningham, Digital Marketing Executive at Marketing Liverpool. You’ll see her posting everything Liverpool on our Twitter, Facebook & Instagram accounts and on our blogs. Caitlin is 24 years old and loves music, dogs and a good gin and tonic.